Westgate is the key node of north west Auckland. It features a town square, library and 28 hectares of public open space. There are more than 400,000 square metres of retail.
Westgate serves local established residential areas such as Henderson and Massey, and is a focal point for the significant growth area of north-west urban Auckland, including the areas around Red Hills, Whenuapai and Kumeū-Huapai.
Its location on the western ring route means it is now well served by motorway connections north, west and south.
Total public and private sector investment in Westgate to date is estimated at nearly $1 billion.
The Westgate area
Westgate and surrounding areas were rural prior to the opening of the north-western motorway to Hobsonville Road in 1961. That was a catalyst for the development of new suburbs from Te Atatu to Westgate. Between 1968 and 1978 around 10,000 people moved to Massey.
However, a lack of local employment opportunities resulted in a strong pattern of commuting to other parts of Auckland for work, particularly the city centre.
This led to the identification of Westgate for urbanisation in the late 1990s.
The lack of employment in the north-west also resulted in the identification of over 300 hectares of land in and around Westgate, Whenuapai and Hobsonville Road for
business activities, particularly light industry.
This employment focussed area represents a significant opportunity for existing and future residents to work closer to where they live.
Future development of Westgate
Over the next 30 years, the population of the
future urban areas of Red Hills and Whenuapai are anticipated to grow from 4000 to over 40,000. This growth will be significant.
The north-western rapid transit corridor, a dedicated public transport corridor from Point Chevalier to Westgate, will transform Westgate into a key transport interchange for the surrounding area, and support residential intensification in and around the centre.
A large business area will ensure that as the north-west population grows there will be an increase in diverse local employment opportunities.
